A sector at the heart of the European energy strategy
The 2025 edition of the Euroheat & Power Congress, held in Prague on 3–4 June, brought together hundreds of stakeholders from across Europe to exchange ideas, strategies and solutions on the future of District Heating and Cooling (DHC).
One message emerged clearly throughout the two-day event: DHC is no longer preparing for the energy transition. It is an integral part of it.
From policymakers to utilities, technology providers and research institutions, participants highlighted the growing importance of thermal networks in achieving climate targets and improving energy system resilience.
Four key themes shaping the future of DHC
The discussions covered a wide range of topics, with four themes standing out. First, DHC is a mature and proven solution, currently serving more than 80 million people across Europe. Yet it continues to evolve, with a strong potential to support net-zero goals, especially in urban contexts.
Second, sector integration is accelerating, driven by technologies like large-scale heat pumps, electric boilers and thermal storage, which are enabling smarter and more flexible use of local energy.
Third, the need for skills and training is becoming increasingly urgent. As the sector grows, so does the demand for professionals capable of managing and innovating within complex thermal systems. That’s why we’re proud to support initiatives like the DHC Academy, which are actively building the talent pipeline for the future.
And finally, digitalisation has moved beyond experimentation. Today, it’s delivering real operational value. At Optit, we’re committed to supporting this shift through solutions like OptiEPM, which help optimise planning and management across integrated thermal networks.
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A valuable opportunity to listen, share and grow
For our team, the Congress was not only an opportunity to share our experience, but also to learn from peers, build new connections and reflect on the direction of the sector. We came back with new ideas, potential collaborations and a renewed sense of purpose.
If you’d like to explore any of the topics raised at Euroheat & Power 2025, or start a new conversation, get in touch.
We’re always open to exchanging insights and working together on the future of sustainable energy.
